Triple-outlet exhaust plays a major role in liberating the extra peak power and broader spread of torque from Honda’s 2.0-litre turbo engine

It has a broadly similar front-wheel-drive mechanical make-up to the previous version and a closely related engine – all of which might suggest, on paper at least, that it hasn’t changed a great deal.

In fact, the differences between this car and the 2015 Type R are many and varied, among them an all-new platform and chassis, new suspension and steering technology, a revised transmission and a completely different interior.